The night’s main card airs on MTV2, though Barbosa likely will compete in a featured preliminary-card attraction.

Barbosa, a Deerfield Beach, Florida-based fighter and Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt from American Top Team, owns a four-fight win streak and six victories in his past seven fights. He also owns six career submission wins.

The 34-year-old said he won the Bellator tryout for one reason.

“I think I just showed a ton of heart at the tryout,” he stated. “That’s what caught the eye of Bellator. They could see my game was on point, but what separated me from everyone else was the heart.

“This is a dream come true. I get to fight under the lights with Bellator in front of friends and family. It’s unbelievable.”

While content with the Bellator 50 slot, he said he eventually hopes to land in one of the organization’s eight-man tournaments for a shot at champion Ben Askren.

“I know I’m going to get a fight at Bellator 50, but I want a tournament shot, and I want the belt,” he stated. “I’ve rolled with Askren before actually. (He’s) a really good wrestler, but my jiu jitsu is better. I’d love a shot at Ben.”

Barbosa joins fellow fighters such as Kenny Foster,
Tyler Stinson, Anthony Lapsley, Anthony Leone, Jose Vega, John Orr and
Jared Downing, who also have earned Bellator contracts from the open tryouts.

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